Traveling by cruise ship when pregnant

Will pregnancy make me prone to getting seasick?

Pregnancy won't make you more likely to feel seasick, but ocean travel can upset your stomach whether or not you're pregnant. If you're prone to motion sickness, you're more likely to feel queasy at sea. And if you're already suffering from morning sickness, the motion of the boat may make your nausea and vomiting even worse.

If you're still having morning sickness, you may want to postpone taking a cruise until it subsides. Before you sail, ask your healthcare provider about seasickness medications that you can safely take during pregnancy. (Acupressure wristbands are one possible drug-free way to keep motion sickness at bay, though they don't work for everyone.)

When choosing a cruise, keep in mind that larger ships tend to be the most stable on rough seas. For the smoothest ride, ask for a cabin in the middle of the ship, close to the water line.

Once on board, spend as much time on deck as possible. If you start to feel queasy, fix your gaze on the horizon. Eating light, nongreasy snacks (such as crackers) frequently can soothe an upset stomach. Some women find that sucking on ginger lozenges also does the trick.

If you're prone to motion sickness, you may want to rethink your cruise plans – it's especially important to stay hydrated when you're pregnant, and it's easy to become dehydrated rapidly from vomiting.

Will a life preserver fit over my pregnant belly?

Probably, but the only way to know for sure is to try it on as soon as you arrive at your cabin. Adult life preservers, also called personal flotation devices, are usually unisex, so they should fit larger sizes. If yours is too small or if you need help adjusting it to accommodate your belly, ask the cabin steward for assistance.

How can I travel comfortably on a cruise ship?

Cruise ships, especially the newer lines, can be remarkably comfortable. When you book your ticket, reserve a cabin with a full- or queen-size bed. Request the largest bed possible, especially if you're traveling with your partner. (Shipboard bunk beds tend to be very narrow.) Once you're on board, you can ask the cabin steward for extra blankets and pillows, too.

No matter how finicky you are about food during your pregnancy, you'll find a wide selection of meals and snacks to satisfy almost any craving – 24 hours a day. Most cruise lines offer room service as well. With such bounty and availability, your main concern may be heartburn from overeating.

Fortunately, you'll probably find plenty of opportunities to exercise as you sail. Many ships offer group and individual exercise programs, early morning deck walks, swimming, stationary cycling, yoga, and even resistance training in the onboard gym. Of course, this is great if you already exercise routinely, but keep in mind that pregnancy isn't the time to launch a high-powered cardio workout.

Clothing on cruise ships is strictly casual during the day. Bring a wide-brimmed sun hat – and plenty of sunscreen – for lounging on deck. Some lines require dressier attire at dinner.

A final perk: Your cabin steward will not only handle your luggage but cater to your every need. Don't hesitate to ask for anything that will make you more comfortable.

This Internet site provides information of a general nature and is designed for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your own health or the health of your child, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional. Please review the Terms of Use before using this site. Your use of the site indicates your agreement to be bound by the Terms of Use.

This site is published by BabyCenter, L.L.C., which is responsible for its contents as further described and qualified in the Terms of Use.